Finding the right running shoes

Making sure you have the right shoes is critical in ensuring your feet carry you into the MCG at the 2017 Medibank Melbourne Marathon.

When you’re choosing a new pair of shoes, your pronation level is the most important aspect to think about, but you shouldn’t forget the fit of the shoe, your speed, weight, running style and preparation. Read the below article to ensure you’re ready for the race with the right running gear.

Pronation:

Pronation is the way the foot rolls inward when you walk and run. It is part of the natural movement that helps the lower leg deal with shock.

Some people pronate more (overpronation) or less (underpronation) than others.
Though this is not bad in itself, it does affect the way you run and, in combination with an unsuitable shoe, it may increase the likelihood of injury. This makes your pronation pattern an important factor in choosing the right running shoes. To learn more about pronation and finding the right shoes for your pronation level, keep your eyes peeled on the Medibank Melbourne Marathon news page in the following weeks!

How fast do you want to run?

Some runners are just looking to complete the course and get to the MCG – others are targeting a time. Depending on your goals, you’ll need a different shoe.

Elite runners who are looking to attack the course could go for lightweight racing footwear, such as the ASICS DS-TRAINER (structured) or ASICS DYNAFLYTE (neutral). However, only an experienced runner with an efficient style should run a whole marathon in a racing shoe – it can really take its toll on you if you’re not prepared.

If you’re prioritising comfort over speed, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS (neutral) or ASICS GEL-KAYANO might be more to your liking.

How much do you weigh?

If you’re a heavier runner, you might need to go for extra cushioning. It’ll reduce the stress on your lower legs and make your landings more comfortable. Check out our iconic GEL-KAYANO, our number 1 running shoe METARUN or innovative DYNAFLYTE.

Training history plays a big part here though. Heavier runners used to running in lightweight shoes can do just fine, because their bodies have adapted to the style and become used to it.

If you’re a lighter runner, you can afford to go with less cushioning and get lighter shoes. The DS-TRAINER could be just right if you’re used to running in a lightweight, racing shoe.

How wide is your foot?

If your shoe is too narrow for you, you’ll be uncomfortable from the moment you start running. ASICS have wider shoes that mean your foot is more comfortable and it doesn’t rub against the side of the shoe.

Visible stretching or bulging on the outsides of forefoot materials is a good indicator that additional width may be needed. These sizes are available in many of our Running and Training shoes. It’s important to note that the differences of width between narrow, standard, wide, and extra wide are usually only a couple millimetres and are proportional to the size of the shoe.

The ASICS GT-2000 comes in wide and extra-wide, so you’re free to choose the width that fits you best.

How have you prepared for the race?

If you’ve done all of your training in cushioned shoes, you should run your marathon in cushioned shoes – don’t be tempted by racers at the last moment, because your feet won’t be prepared for the change.

If you decide to run in a lighter shoe, you should start using it early in your training and get in at least one long distance run. That’ll tell you whether your body can handle the extra pressure.

Remember you should never run in new shoes on the day of your race. To break in your new pair, alternate between your new and old shoes during training.

What will the weather be like?

Your body generates a lot of heat over 42.195km and that means your feet as well.

You might want a pair of running shoes with breathable mesh in the upper so your feet don’t get sweaty and uncomfortable, causing blisters and making it difficult to run.